Dr. Howard Liebman, CEO and Superintendent of Smart Horizons Career Online Education (SHCOE), is pleased to announce that SHCOE is partnering with Weston Distance Learning, Inc., to launch Beacon Hill Career High School.Based in Pensacola, Florida, SHCOE is the world’s first AdvancED/SACS accredited online school district.
Over the past year, SHCOE has collaborated with key institutions in the field of post–secondary online education to establish new online high schools that enable adult learners to earn their high school diploma in addition to a credentialed career certificate.
Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Weston Distance Learning, Inc., (www.westondistancelearning.com) is one of the largest distance–learning education institutions in the nation. Weston’s three schools include U.S. Career Institute, McKinley College, and At–Home Professions. Each school provides high–quality, relevant programs specifically designed to allow adults to reach their education and career goals.
“Weston has long been aware of our country’s serious crisis when it comes to high school dropout rates,” said Ann Rohr, President of Weston Distance Learning, Inc. “According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 35 million adults above 18 years of age do not have a high school diploma—a key factor in lifetime earning potential. In response to this crisis, we are extremely excited to open Beacon Hill Career High School. Our 30 years of educational experience will help us equip students with a quality, accredited high school education, as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in postsecondary education.”
Beacon Hill Career High School is a SACS–accredited high school offered entirely online. Its programs enable students to complete their high school diplomas while simultaneously earning a credentialed certificate in career areas such as child care, office management, homeland security, transportation services, protection officer services, and general career skills.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Weston Distance Learning to launch Beacon Hill Career High School,” said Wendy Kauffman, Chief Operating Officer for SHCOE. “Some students who contact Weston Distance Learning lack the required high school diploma to enroll in Weston’s postsecondary programs. Through our partnership, students can earn their high school diploma and then continue on to pursue their higher education goals.”
“This partnership is an ideal educational alliance,” continued Kauffman. “Both Weston Distance Learning and SHCOE are dedicated to serving adult learners returning to school, and both organizations are focused on student retention, student support, and the delivery of exceptional educational programs. I have been very impressed with Weston Distance Learning’s passion for education and the quality of their academic programs.”